Subdivisions, establishments required to install cameras

A Cebu City ordinance is being proposed to require  owners of business establishments and residential subdivisions to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in their  areas.

Councilor Sisinio Andales, the sponsor,  said this would help in the immediate solution of crimes.

“Many acts of criminality remain unreported and unsolved due to lack of evidence pinpointing the identity of the perpetrators,” he said.

As proposed, no business establishment, especially those that handle money like banks, lending firms and pawnshops, should be allowed to operate without CCTVs.

Andales’ draft ordinance was presented  to the council during their July 13 session and was referred for study by the committee on laws.

It proposes a fine of P2,000 to P5,000 for violators.

The draft ordinance also urged owners of  security cameras to surrender  tapes to the police  in case a crime takes places  in their area.

It said CCTV cameras would  be an “effective way to document evidence.”

Establishments and residential subdivisions will have 120 days  from passage of the  ordinance to comply with the CCTV requirement.

The business permit and licensing office of the Cebu City hall is tasked to oversee compliance of the ordinance./CORRESPONDENT EDISON A. DELOS ANGELES